Riding for a Reason – Nic’s epic 40,075km ride for dementia
If you see a lone cyclist powering along SA roads, loaded up with gear and a determined look on his face, chances are you’ve spotted Nic Tremaine. This Kangaroo Islander isn’t just on a casual bike ride, he’s on an epic 40,075km solo journey around Australia, with a mission to raise $1 million for dementia research.
The son of a sheep farming family from Parndana, he’s been on his bike since January 1st, peddaling up to 180 kilometres a day, going the “Distance for Dimentia”. His inspiration is his mum, Marilyn, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. Her rapid decline saw her moved into full-time care by the end of 2020. Nic’s uncle was also diagnosed with dementia the following year. It wasn’t until Nic jumped on his bike and set off on his mission, that he realised just how many people’s lives are effected by the debilitating condition.
“I didn’t realise until started my ride how many people dementia affects,” he said.
“It’s the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death for Australian women.”
According to Dementia Australia, provisional data suggests that without significant intervention, it will soon be the leading cause of death, with cases expected to almost double in the next 25 years.
For Nic, riding thousands of kilometres glued to a bike seat in searing heat and wind is nowhere near as hard as seeing his once-active mum confined to a chair. “Although my mother’s health has stabilised, I am unsure when I visit her if she will remember who I am. Now a shadow of her former vibrant, enthusiastic and community-orientated self, it is this that motivates me to fight for others and take on this challenging mission.”
Distance for Dementia is no ordinary mission! A standard lap around Australia is about 14,500km. But that didn’t seem enough for this determined Kangaroo Islander. Instead his gruelling 40,075 kilometre journey reflects the circumference of Earth. His route takes him through every state and territory, and having a keen interest in country shows, includes all 48 South Australian towns that host a country show. Despite the demands of the ride, Nic, who has served as president of Parndana Show for ten years, has already rolled into three South Australian shows on his quest, even managing to pick up a blue-ribbon in the fruit cake section at Mundulla.
About to notch up 10,000kms, Nic is proving that no distance is too great when it comes to fighting for a cause close to the heart. If you would like to donate to Dementia Australia and help this wheeling warrior reach his target click here.
